THE CNMI Bar Association on Monday expressed full support for the Judiciary’s request to fund indigent defense — a new account proposed in the judicial branch’s budget for fiscal year 2026.
The Judiciary has submitted a $13.6 million budget request for FY 2026. Its budget for the current FY 2025 amounts to $6.1 million.
During the House Ways and Means Committee’s budget hearing Monday morning, Associate Justice John Manglona represented the Supreme Court on behalf of Chief Justice Alexandro Castro, while Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja appeared on behalf of the Superior Court to formally present the Judiciary’s budget request.
Director of Courts Sonia Camacho, through a PowerPoint presentation, provided the committee with details of the Judiciary’s proposed funding for seven budget accounts. These accounts cover the cost of eight chambers, 15 departments, the Law Revision Commission, and the proposed new account — indigent defense. For FY 2026, the Judiciary is requesting $150,000 for indigent defense, in addition to the mandated 1% public auditor’s fee of $1,500.
According to the Judiciary’s budget proposal, indigent defense is a constitutional mandate enshrined in both the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the CNMI Constitution, guaranteeing all defendants the right to legal representation regardless of financial status.
The proposal notes that indigent defense fees and related costs “have historically been the largest operational cost for the Judiciary.” The requested funding will cover continuing expenses for court-ordered services, including legal defense for indigent clients. These include costs for court-appointed counsel, interpreters and translators, expert and psychiatric evaluations, investigative services, and jury-related expenses in court-appointed defense cases.
Testifying on behalf of the CNMI Bar Association, attorney Mike Evangelista voiced strong support for the Judiciary’s request, emphasizing that the right to counsel is a fundamental legal right that ensures anyone accused of a crime has access to legal representation. He said this right is guaranteed by both the U.S. and NMI Constitutions and reflects broader principles of justice and due process.
Evangelista added that the right to counsel “is deeply rooted in our system of justice” and is explicitly recognized by the CNMI Constitution.
In presenting the Judiciary’s $13.6 million request, Camacho told the committee that, while the Judiciary is aware of the economic challenges facing the CNMI, it must still advocate for the resources needed to serve the people of Rota, Saipan, and Tinian.
She said the budget request is based on the Judiciary’s mission and vision, aligning with national and evidence-based standards for trial and appellate court case management. It also supports the transition toward a more rehabilitative approach to justice, expansion of treatment courts, hybrid service implementation, workforce wellness, merit-based and competitive compensation for staff, and performance-based administrative programs that promote judicial services and equal access to justice.
